Our research

We're searching for answers to some of childhood's diseases, conditions and issues. In addition to our four research focus areas (Aboriginal Health, Brain and Behaviour, Chronic and Severe Diseases, Early Environment), you can also discover more about specific research we're involved in and the technology we use.

Info for...

Different audiences rely on us for very different things. Whether you're a valued donor, curious professional researcher, inquisitive member of the public, or a corporate supplier looking to offer support - we've collated the resources you need.

The Rachel Kierath Scholarship in Paediatric Cancer Research

For leading PhD Candidates

With the support of the family and friends of Rachel Kierath, the Telethon Kids Institute has established the Rachel Kierath Scholarship in Paediatric Cancer Research. The purpose of this PhD or MD/PhD scholarship is to support exceptionally qualified postgraduate research students to undertake cancer research at the Institute. This scholarship opportunity is open to PhD, Masters by Research or post-graduate research degree students.

This prestigious annual award is widely promoted and takes the form of a supplementary (top-up) stipend accompanying another source of funding for the student, most commonly a scholarship secured by the recipient through partner universities. It also includes a dedicated research and travel fund.

Rachel Kierath was a friend of the Telethon Kids Institute with a vision to help the Institute’s Cancer Centre achieve new discoveries in personalised, translational medical research. Rachel sadly succumbed to cancer after a prolonged battle in November 2016. This scholarship is established in her honour.

The successful candidate will work within the Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, co-located with the new Perth Children’s Hospital. The Hospital is situated within the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, a collaborative campus that includes the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, University of Western Australia Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, and other medical research centres of note.

The Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, directed by Professor Terrance Johns, is the sole Western Australian research centre dedicated to finding effective and safer treatments for childhood cancers through drug discovery and repurposing, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Within the Telethon Kids Cancer Centre there are approximately 65 laboratory scientists, epidemiologists, clinical researchers, computational biologists, bioinformaticians, PhD students and research assistants.

There will only be one Rachel Kierath scholar at any time, hence it is envisaged that the Rachel Kierath Scholarship will only be offered once every three years.

The scholarship covers

The successful applicant will receive:

an annual top-up stipend for three years of $10, 000;

a research and travel fund of up to $3, 000 per annum; and

access to a laptop computer and other research infrastructure.

Applicants will remain eligible to receive other top up scholarships throughout their candidature.

Eligibility criteria

Successful applicants must:

Hold a medical degree (e.g. MBBS), a masters degree (e.g. MSc.) or a First Class honours degree in a relevant discipline;

Be a new or existing full-time MD, Masters or PhD candidate;

Be enrolled or eligible to be enrolled full-time at a Western Australian university by the date of commence of the scholarship;

Conduct research relevant to paediatric cancer;

Provide evidence of contribution and/or leadership in their community;

Have access to a living allowance such as from an RTP (formerly APA) or NHMRC scholarship or equivalent secured in the first 12 months of the award;

If you are an international student, you will require proof of a full primary living allowance scholarship and evidence of English language competency (if you are from a non-English speaking country);

Conduct the research principally within the Institute under the primary supervision of one or more of the Institute’s researchers;

Be located at the Institute for the majority of the working week.

Conditions of the Award

The supplementary stipends will be subject to annual review;

The recipient will be required to meet with the donors annually and provide a presentation on his or her progress;

Provision of an annual report outlining progress in lay language.

Selection process

Scholarships are granted on a competitive basis to the most outstanding candidate. Selection will be based on interview, academic merit, research experience, leadership potential, and a focus on, and relevance to, paediatric cancer.

Contact us

As the Telethon Kids Institute will be moving to the Perth Children’s Hospital this year, we are unfortunately unable to take on work experience students between June and September. If you are interested in completing work experience with us after this period, please email study@telethonkids.org.au with your requested dates for further details.